VET Data Streamlining program

The Vocational Education and Training (VET) Data Streamlining program aims to modernise the way VET student activity data is collected, managed, and used. It will provide better data, faster.

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About the program

The VDS program is a partnership between the Commonwealth, state and territory training authorities, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) and VET sector regulators.

The program will implement the following key changes:

  • a new VET Information Standard to replace AVETMISS 8.0, changing what information will need to be collected by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and how it is reported
  • a new Student and Training Activity Reporting System (STARS) changing how RTOs will validate and submit data, which can be integrated with student management systems
  • a sector-wide, consistent reporting timeframe, moving from periodic for some providers to progressive reporting for everyone.

Drivers for change

If Australia is to maintain its position as a global leader in VET, our ability to respond rapidly to emerging challenges, address skill gaps and take advantage of market opportunities is critical.

However, the way we collect and manage student activity data at the national level is multi-layered, complex and inconsistent. Consequently, the information needs of students, training providers and decision makers in much of the VET sector are not currently being met.

The ability to harness the power of timely information through modern systems and a new VET Information Standard will be a key enabler to achieving this goal. The VET Data Streamlining program aims to address this challenge.

Benefits for the sector

The program will provide better data, faster.

Benefits include:

  • more efficient data validation and submission practices
  • reduced duplication through a national dataset (including state and territory data elements) in a consistent, consolidated, and flexible VET Information Standard
  • up-to-date student training records so students can demonstrate competencies, using the USI transcripts sooner
  • supporting training providers to manage their data as they go, rather than periodically
  • improved evidence-based decision making, resulting in better outcomes for the sector.

Timeframes

The program will be progressively rolled out to give organisations plenty of time to transition to the new data submission arrangements.

It is anticipated that some providers may commence transition to new national reporting arrangements from mid-2024, with others shifting to the new reporting arrangements over coming years.

Many providers may be able to make the transition quickly, while others will need time to adjust their existing systems and internal business processes to accommodate the changes.

Getting involved

We are committed to engaging early and often with the sector about the changes. There are several forums where the sector can engage with us about the program.

The External User Reference Group meets regularly to provide feedback on the program design and delivery. The group has a wide representation from across the VET sector including training providers, VET peak bodies and student management system vendors.

There are also a range of subgroups in place. These groups work through specific aspects of implementing the program.

Finally, the program has established an Extended Consultation Group mailing list for ad-hoc and informal engagement which will allow the sector to provide input on implementation issues.

If you are interested in participating in one of these groups, contact the VET Data Streamlining Team at VETDataStreamlining@dewr.gov.au. If you want more information about the new VET Information Standard, contact the VET Information Standard team at VETInfoStandard@ncver.edu.au.

Engagement with the VET sector so far

We have commissioned qualitative and quantitative research to better understand the current reporting practices across the sector.

NCVER have also tested the new VET Information Standard with representatives from across the sector to ensure the descriptions used are easy to understand.

Finally, we have interviewed a wide range of training providers to better understand the financial and human impacts of the proposed changes on existing business processes and ways of working.

More information

Please contact out VET Data Streamlining Team on VETDataStreamlining@dewr.gov.au for any further information.